Buick Velite News **Dead! (page 3)**
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Buick Velite News **Dead! (page 3)**
Call the cavalry: Buick Velite rear-drive concept to debut at New York - - By BOB GRITZINGER - - Source: Autoweek
Buick gets in on the rear-wheel-drive joy at General Motors when its Velite concept makes its debut at the New York auto show in April. (Buick says the name is derived from a group of elite, fast-moving troops.)
Sister car to the Opel Insignia concept shown at last September’s Frankfurt show, Velite is the second car—and first for the North American market—built on GM’s all-new premium, global, rear-wheel-drive platform. Think luxury Holden—GM’s Australian arm—and you get the idea for Buick’s four-seat, two-door convertible.
In Opel trim, a 344-hp Corvette V8 powered the concept. For Buick, look for the tradition of powerful V6s to continue. There is no word on Velite’s future yet, but why create an all-new platform without having a plan for production?
![](http://www.sub300.com/gm/velite.jpg)
Buick gets in on the rear-wheel-drive joy at General Motors when its Velite concept makes its debut at the New York auto show in April. (Buick says the name is derived from a group of elite, fast-moving troops.)
Sister car to the Opel Insignia concept shown at last September’s Frankfurt show, Velite is the second car—and first for the North American market—built on GM’s all-new premium, global, rear-wheel-drive platform. Think luxury Holden—GM’s Australian arm—and you get the idea for Buick’s four-seat, two-door convertible.
In Opel trim, a 344-hp Corvette V8 powered the concept. For Buick, look for the tradition of powerful V6s to continue. There is no word on Velite’s future yet, but why create an all-new platform without having a plan for production?
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Originally posted by amisconception
Wow, I didn't think a Buick could look even "pretty-good"
Wow, I didn't think a Buick could look even "pretty-good"
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#8
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally posted by Black CL-S 4-Life
Still a Buick...
Still a Buick...
![Werd](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
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Originally posted by nandowong
front looks too tall, needs to be smaller. aside from that I would![Boink](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/boink.gif)
btw whats this thing supposed to $
front looks too tall, needs to be smaller. aside from that I would
![Boink](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/boink.gif)
btw whats this thing supposed to $
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Id stick with an SC430 any day, but that sketch is very nice looking indeed.
#15
Originally posted by gavriil
Talk about "Buick will go after Lexus" (per Bob Lutz). Does this look like the SC or what?
Talk about "Buick will go after Lexus" (per Bob Lutz). Does this look like the SC or what?
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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Originally posted by brian6speed
First thing that popped in my head after seeing the pic. I can't believe Buick is still around.
First thing that popped in my head after seeing the pic. I can't believe Buick is still around.
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Originally posted by Python2121
you guys think talk is cheap, but lutz's talk aint cheap
take a look at caddy, he means what he says
you guys think talk is cheap, but lutz's talk aint cheap
take a look at caddy, he means what he says
The reason he means what he says is because he got his budget approved for the brands he is trying to fix. Now it's up to him to put the right people at the right place. The time is right, that's for sure.
#19
I think its too soon to say, I kinda agree he talks too much. Cadillac could or couldn't be something in a few years, their products right now really aren't consistent enough to say yea Cadillac rocks as a BMW alternative.
Same with Buick, they want the image of Lexus for less money yet their new LaCrosse doesn't show it, it doesn't look better than a lot of 20k sedans let alone a 30k Lexus. Too much talk and not enough to back it up.
Promising concept
![](http://tsif.freeyellow.com/bick.jpg)
Reality
Same with Buick, they want the image of Lexus for less money yet their new LaCrosse doesn't show it, it doesn't look better than a lot of 20k sedans let alone a 30k Lexus. Too much talk and not enough to back it up.
Promising concept
![](http://tsif.freeyellow.com/bick.jpg)
Reality
![](https://www.autoweek.com/specials/2004_chicago/lacrosse/images/Dscn2198.jpg)
#22
Suzuka Master
Originally posted by gavriil
What's that supposed to mean?
What's that supposed to mean?
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
The LaCrosse looks like the illegitimate offspring of a late model Ford Taurus & a GS300. It's peculiar how Cadillac has veered off into an angular, trapezoidal "art & science" theme that positions the brand at the leading edge of automotive design while Buick is still designing cars that resemble the rounded "jellybean" theme of the 90's - essentially the trailing edge of design. Even the CL-S which was designed ~ 4 years ago at least has a sharply creased front fender to give the car a more contemporary look.
Just curious, does anyone else see some of the angular, trapezoidal shaped influence of the CTS rubbing off on the new Accord?
#23
well its just the way cars are going, sharp edges with sweeping designs. the lacrosse def has the look of an old taurus. something about the front bumper, maybe that its rounded at the bottom, it just doesnt look right. lutz has his work cut out for him here.
how about a sport coupe GSX?
how about a sport coupe GSX?
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Let's guess engines. A V6 and a V8 option. Possible V6 the 3.6 liter one from the CTS. I cant see the 3.8L SC engine used here. And for a V8, the 4.6 V8 with the 320HP also from Cadillac?
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Its hot, but how many concepts has buick had in the last 5 years that are totaly hot looking. Guess how many have been made- 0. I dont beleve we are gonna see this in production fourm.
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AAAHHHHH!!!!!! Buick is gonna give me a damn heart attack!!! I could run that division better than their management. Hell, half of us on this forum can. This concept is beautiful, and the best thing to come from Buick (production or concept wise) in a long time. When I first read about GM's strategy to position Buick as a true competitor to Lexus, I was estatic. I thought "finally, a proper strategy for Buick befitting it's heritage." I think there's room at the top of GM's line up for both Cadillac (sporty, contemporary, competing against MB,BMW,etc., especially on a performance front). And then Buick (quiet, smooth, good looking, competing against Lexus, Acura, etc. on the refinement front). This car does wonders to advace what I just said. But Buick's recent production announcements (Terraza minivan and LaCrosse sedan) defeat my hopes. Buick should abandon the sub $30k market and get serious, with serious cars, and serious materials, and serious fit and finish.
![Mad](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif)
#35
With ragtop, Buick brand to become young at heart
Convertible would bring new image to staid lineup
By Ed Garsten / The Detroit News
DETROIT — Sleeker, younger, sexier.
That’s the kind of extreme makeover General Motors Corp.’s Buick division has been undergoing for the last three years and the unveiling next month of the convertible concept car Buick Velite is another step in the brand’s metamorphosis from relic to relevant.
GM released its first image of the rear-wheel drive ragtop today. The concept car gets its official unveiling April 7 during media preview days at the New York Auto Show.
It may seem like deja vu for Buick. In 2001, another Buick convertible concept car called the Bengal made the auto show circuit. GM ultimately decided against producing it because of high production costs.
The Velite may have a better shot. Rather than a typical concept vehicle, the Velite is built on the same rear-wheel drive platform as the Opel Insignia, a concept car shown at last September’s Frankfurt Auto Show.
For that reason, there’s a strong possibility the Velite won’t suffer the same fate as the Bengal, and none too soon.
“Velite brings a flagship type of product in terms of just image to the brand,” said Jeffrey Schuster, head of global automotive forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates.
“It brings some excitement to the brand, which has done well in starting to reposition itself.”
If the Velite goes into production, it would be the first convertible in Buick’s lineup since the short-lived Reatta.
The Reatta was first sold as a coupe in the 1988 model year with a convertible added in 1990. It built a small, but loyal base of aficionados for Buick. But GM’s financial crisis of the early 1990s ultimately claimed the Reatta and it went out of production after the 1991 model year.
The last Buick convertible before the Reatta was the 1985 Riviera, although the most lauded ragtop from the brand is considered to be the 1953 Skylark.
Introduced as part of the brand’s 50th anniversary, the long, low-slung Skylark was touted by GM as the “answer to the European sports car.”
The ‘53 Skylark convertible had it all — power brakes, power steering. The owner’s name was even engraved on a plate mounted on the hub of the steering wheel.
The 1982-85 limited edition Riviera convertible was known in some circles as the “Rolls-Royce of American convertibles,” according to Larry Gustin, Buick spokesman and historian.
“Buick convertibles have been a really important part of Buick’s heritage,” Gustin said. “Some of the greatest cars in Buick’s history were convertibles.”
In more recent years, Buick has lost much of its style cache, instead carrying the image of a reliable, but unremarkable line that appeals mainly to older buyers.
Buick is now in the midst of a $3 billion product transformation aimed at better positioning it as an American luxury marque.
The aging Century and Regal are being replaced by the 2005 LaCrosse, and the 2005 Terraza will give the brand its first minivan.
For Buick, one of GM’s oldest divisions, a string of hits is a necessity.
The division saw sales sink 22 percent in 2003 compared with 2002, according to Autodata Corp. Through February, Buick sales are down 16.9 percent compared with the first two months of 2003.
Just a few years ago, it was a toss-up as to whether GM would kill off Buick instead of Oldsmobile.
“From going from that in the early 2000s to where they are now and where they’re expected to go in the next couple of years, it is remarkable,” Schuster said. “It’s the rebirth of another brand with some heritage.”
You can reach Ed Garsten at (313) 223-3217 or egarsten@detnews.com.
Convertible would bring new image to staid lineup
By Ed Garsten / The Detroit News
DETROIT — Sleeker, younger, sexier.
That’s the kind of extreme makeover General Motors Corp.’s Buick division has been undergoing for the last three years and the unveiling next month of the convertible concept car Buick Velite is another step in the brand’s metamorphosis from relic to relevant.
GM released its first image of the rear-wheel drive ragtop today. The concept car gets its official unveiling April 7 during media preview days at the New York Auto Show.
It may seem like deja vu for Buick. In 2001, another Buick convertible concept car called the Bengal made the auto show circuit. GM ultimately decided against producing it because of high production costs.
The Velite may have a better shot. Rather than a typical concept vehicle, the Velite is built on the same rear-wheel drive platform as the Opel Insignia, a concept car shown at last September’s Frankfurt Auto Show.
For that reason, there’s a strong possibility the Velite won’t suffer the same fate as the Bengal, and none too soon.
“Velite brings a flagship type of product in terms of just image to the brand,” said Jeffrey Schuster, head of global automotive forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates.
“It brings some excitement to the brand, which has done well in starting to reposition itself.”
If the Velite goes into production, it would be the first convertible in Buick’s lineup since the short-lived Reatta.
The Reatta was first sold as a coupe in the 1988 model year with a convertible added in 1990. It built a small, but loyal base of aficionados for Buick. But GM’s financial crisis of the early 1990s ultimately claimed the Reatta and it went out of production after the 1991 model year.
The last Buick convertible before the Reatta was the 1985 Riviera, although the most lauded ragtop from the brand is considered to be the 1953 Skylark.
Introduced as part of the brand’s 50th anniversary, the long, low-slung Skylark was touted by GM as the “answer to the European sports car.”
The ‘53 Skylark convertible had it all — power brakes, power steering. The owner’s name was even engraved on a plate mounted on the hub of the steering wheel.
The 1982-85 limited edition Riviera convertible was known in some circles as the “Rolls-Royce of American convertibles,” according to Larry Gustin, Buick spokesman and historian.
“Buick convertibles have been a really important part of Buick’s heritage,” Gustin said. “Some of the greatest cars in Buick’s history were convertibles.”
In more recent years, Buick has lost much of its style cache, instead carrying the image of a reliable, but unremarkable line that appeals mainly to older buyers.
Buick is now in the midst of a $3 billion product transformation aimed at better positioning it as an American luxury marque.
The aging Century and Regal are being replaced by the 2005 LaCrosse, and the 2005 Terraza will give the brand its first minivan.
For Buick, one of GM’s oldest divisions, a string of hits is a necessity.
The division saw sales sink 22 percent in 2003 compared with 2002, according to Autodata Corp. Through February, Buick sales are down 16.9 percent compared with the first two months of 2003.
Just a few years ago, it was a toss-up as to whether GM would kill off Buick instead of Oldsmobile.
“From going from that in the early 2000s to where they are now and where they’re expected to go in the next couple of years, it is remarkable,” Schuster said. “It’s the rebirth of another brand with some heritage.”
You can reach Ed Garsten at (313) 223-3217 or egarsten@detnews.com.
#36
Picture and graph at:
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosins...c01-101579.htm
Looks a lot like the SC430 to me.
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosins...c01-101579.htm
Looks a lot like the SC430 to me.
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2004 Buick Velite Concept: Twin-Turbo RWD
sorry if a repost! ![Frown](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
Configuration: Twin-turbo 60-degree V-6
Power: 400 BHP / 298.3 KW @ 6200 RPM
Torque: 400 FT LBS / 542 NM @ 3200 RPM
![Frown](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
![](http://www.maximum-cars.com/Cars/Buick/2004%20Velite%20C/2004-Velite-C-1.jpg)
![](http://www.maximum-cars.com/Cars/Buick/2004%20Velite%20C/2004-Velite-C-12.jpg)
BUICK VELITE: A NEW EXPRESSION OF PREMIUM AMERICAN STYLE
Restrained extravagance. Two seemingly incompatible words that nonetheless convey the spirit of the Buick Velite – a four-seat convertible that envelops its passengers in a rich, elegant environment while forging new ground in the exclusive territory of expressive, upscale rear-drive mid-size automobiles.
The Velite is the first American demonstration of GM’s all-new Zeta global vehicle architecture, featuring a premium rear-wheel-drive chassis. Buick will unveil the Velite concept at the New York Auto Show.
Named for an elite class of quick-moving soldiers in Napoleon’s army, the Velite was designed at GM’s Advanced Studio in Warren, Mich. and assembled at renowned coachbuilder Stile Bertone’s studio in Italy. Its sister car, the Opel Insignia, debuted the Zeta architecture at the Frankfurt International Auto Show last year.
“Velite is a new expression of Buick’s longstanding heritage in understated yet sophisticated design,” said Anne Asensio, executive director – GM Advanced Design. “While certainly an expression of premium American style, the Velite’s impressive stance and overall presence emphasize a sumptuous driving experience that further pushes Buick on to the center of the world stage of luxurious touring cars.”
Indeed, Buick’s global presence is widening, particularly in Asia. Recently introduced products in China, for example, have been warmly received with demand exceeding supply. The upscale aura of these vehicles is enhanced with the rear-drive Velite – its athletic proportions and aggressive stance emphasizing a bold, contemporary design, while readily identifiable heritage cues are worn with an international flair and understated elegance.
Designers pored over Buick’s extremely rich design history while also studying trends in global cultures and contemporary design. Modern furniture and even the atmosphere of trend-setting lounges influenced the color, mood and shape of the Velite’s exterior and interior. Heritage cues can be found in the Velite’s long dash-to-axle proportions, which convey power and a sporting elegance – a theme reinforced by 20-inch front wheels, 21-inch rear wheels and short overhangs. Its long, sculpted clamshell hood introduces a bold new look for Buick’s signature waterfall grille design. It is finished in a jewel-like luster and creates a three-dimension visual effect that blends seamlessly with the body when viewed from different angles.
The hood integrates portholes – three per side – in a romantic, yet contemporary nod to Buick’s heritage. The hood tilts forward when opened, creating a dramatic look that evokes a bygone era of touring cars. A complementing clamshell deck lid opens in the opposite direction to swallow the Velite’s folding soft top. When retracted, the top is completely covered by the rear deck for an integrated, contoured look reminiscent of Buick’s dramatic boattail designs of the 1930s.
Decidedly upscale yet subtle appointments underscore the Velite’s aura of refined sophistication, including its Dark Tarnished Bronze Metallic exterior color. The rich-looking hue complements the vehicle’s relaxed, sophisticated mood, and is a reflection of the color’s emergence in modern design around the globe.
The color contrasts with crystalline headlamp lenses, which combine with X-Beam technology to create a distinct, superior lighting system. Using the same halogen light source, X-Beam enables the use of a smaller lens while creating 44 percent greater luminous intensity than traditional reflector headlamps. Cooling vents for the lights are slotted next to the lenses, creating a unique and purposeful styling element. X-beam technology also is used in the taillamps, which blend into rearward sheetmetal designed with a nod to the 1938 Y-Job – Buick’s first concept vehicle and first convertible.
“The Velite has a presence that conveys confident power,” said Sang Yup Lee, exterior designer. “It’s a fresh, contemporary design that not only hints at Buick’s design direction, but speaks the language of modern design trends around the globe – a statement of strength through elegance, not extravagance.”
Romantic environment:
Contemporary design also is reflected in the Velite’s passenger compartment, which uses sumptuous materials and the warm glow of indirect lighting to harmonize with the vehicle’s exterior design voice. It’s a tangible expression of a jazz lounge atmosphere, including an inviting rear seat that wraps around the interior like a comfortable lounge loveseat. Rear HVAC controls allow rear-seat passengers to adjust the climate to suit their moods.
Subdued lighting radiates a warm glow throughout the cabin, and is complemented by leather of three shades: Bronze Pearl, Iceberg Blue, and Woven Tan. The look of Gold Leaf Lacquer, in place of wood, is a statement of richness in many Asian cultures; it accents the interior, including the door handles and shift knob. All seating is leather-covered and the materials used throughout the interior were selected for their reassuring tactile feel.
“Everything from the colors to the shape and feel of the upholstery was designed to provide a rich, relaxing and romantic environment,” said Bryan Priebe, interior designer. “The Velite is a respite from the outside world and invites human interaction.”
The Velite’s warm interior lighting glows from the backs of instrument panel controls and gauges. The subdued look includes a panel over the XM Satellite Radio and OnStar controls, allowing a smooth, uninterrupted appearance of the dashboard and center console.
An “E-lock” security system allows the Velite’s driver to unlock or lock the vehicle without fumbling for a key fob. The system, which uses a proximity signal for vehicle function commands, allows starting and driving without the need for a traditional ignition key.
Power to move the Velite comes from Buick’s experimental twin-turbocharged, intercooled global V-6 engine. Four hundred horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque are derived from its DOHC design and 3.6-liter displacement. The engine features fuel-saving variable valve timing technology, which is available on some of GM’s four-, five-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. Through the use of variable engine valve timing, valve lift and duration is continuously varied to improve fuel economy, horsepower and torque, while reducing emissions.
The V-6 is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L80-E six-speed, rear-wheel-drive automatic transmission equipped with manual tap-shift gear selection. A pair of large, oval exhaust outlets provides an aural reminder that performance is very much a part of the vehicle’s character.
“The strength of the powertrain is the necessary complement to the Velite’s powerful design statement,” said Tom Peters, Buick Velite’s chief designer. “It’s premium performance to go with a contemporary, muscular presence.”
Although a concept, the Velite affirms GM’s vision for Buick as a global manufacturer of premium, elegant vehicles. It shows the exciting possibilities of the all-new Zeta vehicle architecture and an expressive new direction for Buick.
“There’s an edge to the vehicle, more than is reflected in its sculpted bodywork,” said Peters. “It’s a forward-looking vehicle that not only stands for Buick in America, but how American style, performance and prestige resonates in a contemporary, global form.”
Story by Buick
Restrained extravagance. Two seemingly incompatible words that nonetheless convey the spirit of the Buick Velite – a four-seat convertible that envelops its passengers in a rich, elegant environment while forging new ground in the exclusive territory of expressive, upscale rear-drive mid-size automobiles.
The Velite is the first American demonstration of GM’s all-new Zeta global vehicle architecture, featuring a premium rear-wheel-drive chassis. Buick will unveil the Velite concept at the New York Auto Show.
Named for an elite class of quick-moving soldiers in Napoleon’s army, the Velite was designed at GM’s Advanced Studio in Warren, Mich. and assembled at renowned coachbuilder Stile Bertone’s studio in Italy. Its sister car, the Opel Insignia, debuted the Zeta architecture at the Frankfurt International Auto Show last year.
“Velite is a new expression of Buick’s longstanding heritage in understated yet sophisticated design,” said Anne Asensio, executive director – GM Advanced Design. “While certainly an expression of premium American style, the Velite’s impressive stance and overall presence emphasize a sumptuous driving experience that further pushes Buick on to the center of the world stage of luxurious touring cars.”
Indeed, Buick’s global presence is widening, particularly in Asia. Recently introduced products in China, for example, have been warmly received with demand exceeding supply. The upscale aura of these vehicles is enhanced with the rear-drive Velite – its athletic proportions and aggressive stance emphasizing a bold, contemporary design, while readily identifiable heritage cues are worn with an international flair and understated elegance.
Designers pored over Buick’s extremely rich design history while also studying trends in global cultures and contemporary design. Modern furniture and even the atmosphere of trend-setting lounges influenced the color, mood and shape of the Velite’s exterior and interior. Heritage cues can be found in the Velite’s long dash-to-axle proportions, which convey power and a sporting elegance – a theme reinforced by 20-inch front wheels, 21-inch rear wheels and short overhangs. Its long, sculpted clamshell hood introduces a bold new look for Buick’s signature waterfall grille design. It is finished in a jewel-like luster and creates a three-dimension visual effect that blends seamlessly with the body when viewed from different angles.
The hood integrates portholes – three per side – in a romantic, yet contemporary nod to Buick’s heritage. The hood tilts forward when opened, creating a dramatic look that evokes a bygone era of touring cars. A complementing clamshell deck lid opens in the opposite direction to swallow the Velite’s folding soft top. When retracted, the top is completely covered by the rear deck for an integrated, contoured look reminiscent of Buick’s dramatic boattail designs of the 1930s.
Decidedly upscale yet subtle appointments underscore the Velite’s aura of refined sophistication, including its Dark Tarnished Bronze Metallic exterior color. The rich-looking hue complements the vehicle’s relaxed, sophisticated mood, and is a reflection of the color’s emergence in modern design around the globe.
The color contrasts with crystalline headlamp lenses, which combine with X-Beam technology to create a distinct, superior lighting system. Using the same halogen light source, X-Beam enables the use of a smaller lens while creating 44 percent greater luminous intensity than traditional reflector headlamps. Cooling vents for the lights are slotted next to the lenses, creating a unique and purposeful styling element. X-beam technology also is used in the taillamps, which blend into rearward sheetmetal designed with a nod to the 1938 Y-Job – Buick’s first concept vehicle and first convertible.
“The Velite has a presence that conveys confident power,” said Sang Yup Lee, exterior designer. “It’s a fresh, contemporary design that not only hints at Buick’s design direction, but speaks the language of modern design trends around the globe – a statement of strength through elegance, not extravagance.”
Romantic environment:
Contemporary design also is reflected in the Velite’s passenger compartment, which uses sumptuous materials and the warm glow of indirect lighting to harmonize with the vehicle’s exterior design voice. It’s a tangible expression of a jazz lounge atmosphere, including an inviting rear seat that wraps around the interior like a comfortable lounge loveseat. Rear HVAC controls allow rear-seat passengers to adjust the climate to suit their moods.
Subdued lighting radiates a warm glow throughout the cabin, and is complemented by leather of three shades: Bronze Pearl, Iceberg Blue, and Woven Tan. The look of Gold Leaf Lacquer, in place of wood, is a statement of richness in many Asian cultures; it accents the interior, including the door handles and shift knob. All seating is leather-covered and the materials used throughout the interior were selected for their reassuring tactile feel.
“Everything from the colors to the shape and feel of the upholstery was designed to provide a rich, relaxing and romantic environment,” said Bryan Priebe, interior designer. “The Velite is a respite from the outside world and invites human interaction.”
The Velite’s warm interior lighting glows from the backs of instrument panel controls and gauges. The subdued look includes a panel over the XM Satellite Radio and OnStar controls, allowing a smooth, uninterrupted appearance of the dashboard and center console.
An “E-lock” security system allows the Velite’s driver to unlock or lock the vehicle without fumbling for a key fob. The system, which uses a proximity signal for vehicle function commands, allows starting and driving without the need for a traditional ignition key.
Power to move the Velite comes from Buick’s experimental twin-turbocharged, intercooled global V-6 engine. Four hundred horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque are derived from its DOHC design and 3.6-liter displacement. The engine features fuel-saving variable valve timing technology, which is available on some of GM’s four-, five-, six- and eight-cylinder engines. Through the use of variable engine valve timing, valve lift and duration is continuously varied to improve fuel economy, horsepower and torque, while reducing emissions.
The V-6 is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L80-E six-speed, rear-wheel-drive automatic transmission equipped with manual tap-shift gear selection. A pair of large, oval exhaust outlets provides an aural reminder that performance is very much a part of the vehicle’s character.
“The strength of the powertrain is the necessary complement to the Velite’s powerful design statement,” said Tom Peters, Buick Velite’s chief designer. “It’s premium performance to go with a contemporary, muscular presence.”
Although a concept, the Velite affirms GM’s vision for Buick as a global manufacturer of premium, elegant vehicles. It shows the exciting possibilities of the all-new Zeta vehicle architecture and an expressive new direction for Buick.
“There’s an edge to the vehicle, more than is reflected in its sculpted bodywork,” said Peters. “It’s a forward-looking vehicle that not only stands for Buick in America, but how American style, performance and prestige resonates in a contemporary, global form.”
Story by Buick
Power: 400 BHP / 298.3 KW @ 6200 RPM
Torque: 400 FT LBS / 542 NM @ 3200 RPM
#40
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god damn thats an amazing looking car
if buick produced that (i am aware that certain things wouldn't make it to production, but i am willing to bet most could) at a reasonable price it would single handedly bring an unbelivable ammount of respect (and sales) to the name
if buick produced that (i am aware that certain things wouldn't make it to production, but i am willing to bet most could) at a reasonable price it would single handedly bring an unbelivable ammount of respect (and sales) to the name